Massage Therapists

Donna Kramer Merritt, LMT

Over the last 30 years I have formally studied a variety of natural modalities and have also been a client of many complimentary health methods including acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, energy healing and spiritual psychology. Through these educational and experiential opportunities, I have developed an in-depth knowledge of the holistic wellness arena, and have access to vast resources to help those on their path to self-healing.

I am a graduate of Cortiva Institute of Massage in Watertown, and am trained in a variety of techniques including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofacial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point, and Sports Massage. I am also a Level I Reiki practitioner.

In addition to bodywork, I am also passionate about Homeopathy, a gentle healing modality based on the Law of Similars or “Like cures Like”. I completed Level II, a 300 hour program at the New School of Homeopathy in Cambridge, under Dr. Luc DeSchepper, and I use the assessment skills of this practice to aid in a deeper understanding of my clients. I have also studied a healing protocol called Guided Self Healing under Dr. Andrew Hahn. Through this training I learned how to use diagnostic kinesiology, also known as muscle testing, to access the wisdom of the body to help confirm the direction of treatment.

Other modalities I have studied include Aromatherapy, Flower Essences, Herbalism, and Holistic Health Counseling. I am also a yoga teacher (and student!), a meditator for over 30 years, and spent over 16 years in the health and wellness publishing field, all of which have informed my view of the holistic nature of wellness. I look forward to working with you and supporting your path towards a healthier life!

Lindsey Towlen, LMT

I have always loved massage.

As a Cyto-technologist, I understand first-hand the muscle tension, pain, and stress that can occur working at a desk job. Massage has consistently helped with the tension, and the back and arm pain, that I was experiencing from working at a microscope and computer all day.

Experiencing this pain relief was incredible, and my love for massage only expanded. Not only did I want to tell everyone I worked with that they should go get a massage, but I also wanted to learn how to massage others… so I could help them to heal as well.

This path led me to attend Cortiva Institute and become a licensed massage therapist. My passion has continued with additional education and certifications in Oncology massage, Pre and Peri-natal massage and hot stone massage. These modalities allow me to help clients through all stages, and challenges, of life…. and of course a hot stone massage is just amazing!

My hobbies and other interests include meditation, being a yoga student, snowboarding, running, hiking, going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, reading and continuing to learn something new every day.

I look forward to working with you on your path to health and wellness!

Rachael Grace, LMT

Although I come in to the Massage Therapy world by way of a 20+ year career in Physical Therapy, in my heart I have always wanted to be a massage therapist! My love is to help people feel better about themselves and get back on the road to recovery. I treat people as people, from head to toe, and see us all as connected mind, body, and soul, as well as muscle, ligaments, bones etc.

For me, there is a gift of “therapeutic touch” that occurs in each session, knowing that you are able to help someone just by laying your hands on them with good therapeutic intent. I am honored to be a part of helping manage my clients’ pain, issues, soreness, muscle tightness, stress, ( or what ever that individuals problems/issues may be) during the course of the personalized session.

As a therapist, I am well versed in Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques, Sports and Events Massage, Hot Stone, Chair Massage, Pregnancy, Neuromuscular and Infant Massage. In addition I am able to integrate Polarity and Physical Therapy strategies in to any session when it is needed by the client. I can work with all types of ailments/problems/ diagnoses. My experience spans orthopedics, geriatrics, sports injuries, neurological compromises, functional mobility and postural issues, spinal injuries and much more.

Sasha Moskvitina, LMT

As a classically trained pianist, I am very familiar with Repetitive Strain Injury, tendonitis, various muscle tension/tightness, stress and pain. It was through my own personal experience with this that led me to pursue study in Massage Therapy.

I’m passionate about helping others create a healthy balance and better their lives, regaining their physical activity and well-being through progressive therapy that is individualized to them. I truly enjoy facilitating my clients’ personal goals towards wellness, empowerment and improvement!

I graduated from Salter College (2009) where I trained in a variety of massage techniques including Swedish, Deep tissue, Trigger Point, Myofascial, Geriatrics, Body Stretch sequences and more.

In addtion, I am also certified in Prenatal and Oncology massage, and am a Level I Reiki practitioner.

I look forward to working with those who are combating the health risks of our sedentary modern lifestyle, including those suffering with chronic back pain, circulation problems, intense migraines, difficulties sleeping, compromised immune system function, and mental and physical stress in various manifestations.

Vita Luchitskaya, LMT

My experience as a massage therapist goes back to 20 years ago, when I first started wondering why people have different postures and how they could be corrected… Learning and practicing massage techniques soon became my passion.

What has always been leading me in my work is helping people get proper treatment, as well as guiding them towards understanding their body and their health, both physical and mental.

In my work I often focus on what my family taught me, too, since many family members of mine were doctors. I believe that massage is one of the most effective ways to support body wellness.

As a massage therapist, I’ve had many opportunities to learn various massage techniques from all over the world. I’ve been taught in both European and American massage schools, and I’m still directed towards learning other ways of helping my clients. In Massachusetts, I graduated from SpaTech. My bodywork techniques include primarily Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Trigger Point, Myofacial, Lymphatic Drainage, and Sports Massage. At The Gentle Place, I also offer Fusion Massage which is a combination of all these techniques as needed.

In addition to my professional background, I was born in Russia. In 2016, I came to Massachusetts to begin a new page in my life and discover new opportunities.

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In Gratitude for those who have Served: FREE YOGA for VETERANS on SUNDAY and MONDAY For those who have served and taken care of us, we at The Gentle Place would like to take care of YOU! Join us for any yoga class on Sunday, November 11th or Monday November 12th for Free! Use the […]